Monash University has announced an extension of its collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, where researchers will investigate triggers of the immune-mediated disease, psoriasis, and focus on the discovery of potential new treatment approaches to prevent psoriasis.

The collaboration, facilitated by Monash Innovation and Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Asia Pacific, will continue to focus on ground-breaking research to examine the interplay between genetic and environmental triggers of psoriasis, a disease which affects 125 million people worldwide and 300,000 Australians.

Imaging CoE CI Professor Jamie Rossjohn, at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, will lead the research program, which is an extension of a three-year research program focused on the development of novel approaches to treat autoimmune disease through Monash University’s technological capabilities and world-leading research expertise.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside Janssen once again in a joint effort to broaden our knowledge around this condition and develop novel treatments for psoriasis,” Professor Rossjohn said.

Both genetic and environmental factors predispose to the development of psoriasis. Despite the compelling genetic evidence for the triggers of psoriasis, the interplay between genetic and environmental factors remains unclear. Professor Rossjohn’s research project aims to explore this critical interplay and develop novel treatments.

Monash Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Enterprise), Ken Sloan, was pleased that Monash has extended the collaboration with Janssen in a way that could further benefit the community by responding to medical challenges.

“The renewal and extension of the Research Funding Agreement for several years between Monash and Janssen is a significant step forward in fostering and nurturing novel science,”Mr Sloan said.

“I thank Janssen for continuing to support our team of researchers as together we strive to create new medical treatments that address the burden of widespread medical conditions.”

Original article source: https://www.monash.edu/discovery-institute/news-and-events/news/key-to-immune-systems-memory-revealed?mc_cid=6bd1c2b381&mc_eid=4132082c73